During the period 2011-2020, the United Nations (UN) established the Decade of Action for Road Safety, with the goal of halving the number of road traffic deaths by 2020. Road accidents, on the other hand, are on the rise in Malawi. Road traffic crashes, according to the Global Road Safety Facility, are a major source of physical and psychosocial sickness, as well as death, around the world. What is Islam’s advice to road users?

In Islam, ethical road use is linked to a holistic way of life, which leads to fear of God Almighty and adherence to His rules. This will eventually lead to the joys and blessings that life has to offer. Islam, as a faith concerned with the preservation of life, has created specific norms and ethics that humanity should adhere to in terms of road usage for the benefit of all.

One of the first things a road user should do is read prayers. This is due to the fact that prayer is a supplication to God Almighty for protection from all disasters that may occur when traveling or transporting. Unfortunately, one has to worry whether someone who is under the influence of alcohol will read a prayer. “Glory to Him who has subjected this to us when we were not capable of it, and we will return to our Lord,” one might say as they board a vehicle.

Never be arrogant on the road. “Do not saunter in swank and arrogance in front of the ground itself; surely, you will not be able to dig the earth and match the height of the mountain,” God Almighty declares in the Noble Qur’an, banning humans, particularly road users, from being arrogant and imperious. (17:37)

Speeding, overtaking recklessly, driving to attract public attention, using an excessive horn, or turning the loudspeaker installed in a car loudly are all examples of how someone with ethical beliefs on the road should not use the opportunity to demonstrate their superiority.

As a result, persons with strong ethical convictions should avoid being cocky and arrogant on the road, as this endangers themselves and others. As a result of reckless road users, lives are lost. Road users should be patient and tolerant because the road is shared property and right.

To avoid inflicting harm to other road users, users must constantly be cautious when using it. Road ethics in Islam are not limited to those who utilize the roads; those who stand on the side of the road must also follow the norms of the road. Every road user should follow traffic rules such as having a valid driver’s license, owning a reliable car, and following speed limits.